SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — The CDC reports that flu cases in the U.S. are surging.
Just last week, the agency’s respiratory illness surveillance map showed very high or high flu activity in 31 states, including Louisiana.
This week, there are 38 states at those same levels. The ArkLaTex is included.
Also, hospitalizations nationwide are at their highest level since February. Deaths and emergency room visits also have risen since last week.
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And flu activity in Louisiana is at the highest it’s been in the past decade, according to the state health department.
Willis-Knighton is among health systems seeing these high numbers, said Dr. Joseph Bocchini, a pediatric infectious disease physician there.
“We still have a high number of cases. The numbers actually in our systems increased from last week to this week, the most recent week we have data for.”
The Shreveport/Bossier City area is among five Louisiana health regions reporting the highest level of flu activity.
Bocchini said getting the flu shot is the best way to avoid catching it.
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“Because the influenza season may go on for another few months, and so exposure may continue. Therefore, it’s always wise to get vaccine.”
He said that the flu spreads through schools and that children who are sick should be evaluated, tested and kept home from school.
“They bring it home to their parents; they bring it home to their grandparents and others. And so they really play an important role in an outbreak in the community,” Bocchini said.
QUICK FACTS
The CDC reports that:
The percent of all emergency room visits with a COVID-19 diagnosis is highest among children under 2 years old and adults 65+
ER visits due to diagnosed RSV are highest among children under 4 years old
ER visits due to influenza are highest among children 5-17 years old followed by children under 4 years old
Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 remain elevated among adults 65+ and infants and young children
Hospitalization rates for influenza continue to increase in all age groups; and adults 65+ have the highest rate compared to other age groups
Hospitalization rates for RSV remain elevated among children under 4 years old and among adults 65+
Shreveport area residents also are noting the rise in flu activity.
At the city’s Betty Virginia Park, one woman said she is not terribly worried about the flu but does take precautions.
“I take the flu shot every year,” Lucy Burr said. “And if people have told me I think I might get sick, I distance myself. Drink fluids, all those things.”
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She believes everyone should get the flu shot. “I know a lot of people are scared of it. But to me, it’s better to take it and hopefully ward off the flu than to be very very ill with the flu.”
One mother at the park with her two sons said her kids are vaccinated but she’s still concerned about the flu.
“I’ve definitely stocked up more, making sure I wipe down surfaces, especially when we’re out and about,” Jacquinette Douglas said.
“Even in my personal car, I wipe down. If we’re going out like today to the park, or anywhere, I make sure to wipe my car down if we get in and out to make sure, you know, that germs that don’t spread to them.”
Bocchini said anybody who feels like they have an acute onset of a respiratory illness during this period of time should see their physician.
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MORE RESOURCES TO EXPLORE:
• CDC’s key viral respiratory illness findings for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV from the past week
• Louisiana’s respiratory virus dashboard
• Estimated trends for COVID-19 and influenza infections and hospitalizations at the national and state levelsWhen is it too late to get a flu shot?
Newlab New Orleans is deepening its energy-tech ambitions with a new partnership alongside JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, to accelerate next-generation carbon capture solutions for heavy industries across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, The Center Square writes.
The collaboration brings JERA Ventures into Newlab’s public-private innovation hub, where startups gain access to lab space and high-end machinery to commercialize technologies aimed at cutting emissions and improving industrial efficiency.
The move builds momentum as Newlab prepares to open its fifth global hub next fall at the former Naval Support Activity site, adding New Orleans to a network that includes Riyadh and Detroit. JERA’s footprint in Louisiana is already growing—from a joint venture on CF Industries’ planned $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant to investments in solar generation and Haynesville shale assets—positioning the company as a significant player in the state’s clean-energy transition.
Federal immigration authorities are keeping a tight lid on key details as “Catahoula Crunch” closes its first week in southeast Louisiana, Verite writes.
The operation—one of Department of Homeland Security’s largest recent urban crackdowns—began with raids at home-improvement stores and aims for 5,000 arrests, according to plans previously reviewed by the Associated Press. While DHS publicly highlighted arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records, AP data shows fewer than one-third of the 38 detainees in the first two days had prior convictions.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups report widespread fear in Hispanic communities, with residents avoiding hospitals, schools, workplaces and even grocery stores amid sightings of federal agents.
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Business impacts are already visible: restaurants and Hispanic-serving corridors like Broad Street appear unusually quiet, with staff shortages forcing menu cuts and temporary closures. School absenteeism has doubled in Jefferson Parish, and protests have spread across New Orleans and surrounding suburbs as local leaders demand transparency around federal tactics.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.
Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.
Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.
“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.
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Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.
“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”
The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.
Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.
“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”
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The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.
“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”
Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.
